Expat Advice: Working in Monterrey, Mexico

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Monterrey

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Monterrey is a very industrilized city, about 4 million people. it is also very Americanized. I would start with the Chamber of Commerce in Monterrey and they will give you information on avenues you may follow relative to your skills. This city is very diverse and a lot of Americans and other nationalities live and work there. One thing I would point out is that it is (my esperience) not cheap to live there.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

I worked all over Mexico for about 12 years but mostly in the North from east to west. I was involved in Building manufacturing plants. Generally, those companies moving globally to Mexico. I started with a US company that wanted to bulid in Mexico. I lived in Mexico a pertion of the time but maintained and address in the US.

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

A work permit is not usually difficult. The best avenue is to call the Mexican Consulate in a major city you are close to and they will give you step by step instructions on what to do. When I was working there I found it very enjoyable, I learned to speak Spanish and ended up getting married to a beautiful Mexican Lady.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

I learned the language on my own with help from new found friends.

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

I can only tell anyone my experience. I am a self started. I don't depend on others to do things for me. I was blessed with a friendly nature and ask questions and give answers when asked if I can. When I arrived in Mexico I knew nothing, but what I found was that when I tried to communicate in Spanish the mexican people are most willing to help. Respect is the key on both sides. If you are the type person that believes people are different, not more or less, then you will enjoy Mexico.